I’ve been calling Virginia my residence for the final fifteen years (has it actually been that lengthy?), and I do really feel it is without doubt one of the finest locations to reside! It has every thing from the mountains to the ocean, and to not point out the 4 very distinct seasons. At any time when I journey to different locations, irrespective of how stunning, I all the time come residence to the candy scent of Virginia. (If you happen to haven’t smelled the air right here, it’s beautiful – I’m not kidding!)
What I really like most about Virginia is its wealthy historical past and true versatility. From romping by historic websites to spending the day at an amusement park, vacationers and locals alike can discover the state and by no means run out of issues to do. That’s most likely why it’s one of the crucial attention-grabbing (and common!) vacationer points of interest within the nation, particularly these visiting Washington DC on the lookout for a countryside escape.
Perhaps you’re planning a trip for the household, or possibly you’re coming to go to on a romantic getaway. Irrespective of the rationale, the state is filled with adventures and actions that solo vacationers, {couples}, and households can take pleasure in all the identical. Here’s a roundup of one of the best day journey alternatives Virginia provides—a few of which I’ve skilled and a few which are nonetheless alone bucket listing!
15 Day Journeys in Virginia
Shenandoah Nationwide Park & Skyline Drive
Shenandoah Nationwide Park makes for the right day journey. With greater than 200,000 acres of protected land, there are many mountain climbing trails to discover. It’s good whether or not you’re up for a protracted trek or a better hike with the youngsters. And don’t miss Skyline Drive. This scenic drive alone is well worth the journey for the mountain views – particularly at peak foliage.
The season you go to can undoubtedly impression your plans. It’s a good looking spot for tenting (or glamping, to every their very own!), however you wish to ensure to take a look at their website earlier than planning. The daytime temperatures are great, the nighttime can drop fairly low.
Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns, found again in 1878, appears like an journey that each children and adults can marvel at. They’re the most important caverns within the Japanese US, and they’re actually as spectacular as the images make them look. Inside, you’ll be able to view stalactites, stalagmites, mud flows, glassy swimming pools, and even the Nice Stalacpipe Organ (Sure, it’s an actual factor!).
Your ticket isn’t only for exploring underground, although. Head above floor to take pleasure in a Backyard Maze, a Rope Journey Mark, Toy City Junction, and the Automobile & Carriage Caravan Museum. It’s a type of locations that you simply and your loved ones can spend all day having fun with. I’m fairly certain I went with my dad and mom once I was in highschool, however we’ve to take the boys quickly!
Colonial Williamsburg
As one of the crucial well-known historic websites in Virginia, Colonial Williamsburg is a superb day journey for historical past buffs. Even should you don’t take into account your self significantly curious about historical past, this place has a narrative to inform. As you stroll by the cobblestone streets, you’ll understand simply how immersive of an expertise it’s. You don’t really want to purchase tickets to go inside to see plenty of the sights, however in fact it is best to for the complete expertise.
With every thing from historic reenactments to hands-on workshops, it’s an ideal place to step again in time whereas taking children out for a day filled with 18th century-themed enjoyable. You possibly can take a look at my submit, A Weekend in Colonial Williamsburg to see how my journey went once I took child Mazen! The excursions do fluctuate all year long, so ensure to go to their web site earlier than planning your day journey.
Virginia Seaside
Enjoyable reality: after we moved to Charlottesville, we have been really attempting to maneuver to the seashore! However someway we ended up within the mountains. Whereas we are inclined to go to the Outer Banks for longer journeys, Virginia Seaside is the closest seashore to us and the principle seashore in our state.
There are many enjoyable eating places and little boutiques alongside the principle Boardwalk stretch, which is 3 miles lengthy. There are many children actions at Grommet Island Park.
If you happen to’re not into crowds, spring and fall are one of the best instances to go to. The climate’s nonetheless stunning, however it’s somewhat quieter. It’s a great time of yr to lease bikes too. Could, early June, and September are candy spots if you wish to swim with out navigating large summer time crowds.
If you happen to’re curious, right here’s a peek at a visit I took to Virginia Seaside again once I was pregnant with Mazen!
Mount Vernon
Virginia is residence to many presidents (eight to be precise!), and you may go to the house of the nation’s first president, George Washington. Mount Vernon is positioned 22 miles outdoors of Washington, D.C., not too removed from the capitol. It’s a type of historic websites that you need to go to no less than as soon as.
The mansion itself is gorgeous, and the working farm in the summertime is such a novel expertise. If you happen to plan on visiting with children, seize an journey map! It’s an immersive option to remodel the grounds right into a treasure hunt. If you happen to plan on visiting, it should be by guided tour—so ensure to ebook tickets upfront.
Outdated City Alexandria
Flashback to when Emily lived in Outdated City!
Outdated City Alexandria has that good small-city really feel with cobblestone streets, colourful row homes, and tons of little retailers and eating places. It’s simply minutes from D.C., however it appears like a significant metropolis of its personal. You possibly can stroll King Avenue Mile and take within the historical past. And don’t miss Spite Home, the skinniest home in America!
If the climate’s good, you’ll be able to hop on a sightseeing cruise and take a look at town from the water. Truthfully, although, Alexandria is an efficient one any time of yr. I particularly love visiting across the holidays when every thing’s adorned and additional festive. However heat climate days are arduous to beat for strolling round, window procuring, and absorbing all of its appeal.
Chincoteague Island
If you happen to’re a horse lover—or simply desire a completely distinctive seashore day—Chincoteague Island must be in your listing. It’s well-known for the wild Chincoteague Ponies that roam the world. And sure, you actually would possibly spot them whereas enjoyable on the seashore. My good friend Lynsie has been going there for years and raves about what a novel place it’s. (I’ve a reminiscence of going with my dad and mom in highschool and getting 1,000 mosquito bites. That’s most likely not promoting it!)
However Chincoteague isn’t simply concerning the ponies. This little 7-mile-long island has a lot extra to supply. You possibly can spend the day biking, mountain climbing, or taking boat excursions to discover the water. And don’t skip a go to to neighboring Assateague Island, the place there are much more seashores and wild ponies.
If you happen to’re questioning when to go, my vote is September. The climate remains to be heat however not as sticky as peak summer time. And crowds skinny out after August. It’s simply the correct mix of peaceable and full of life.
Pure Bridge State Park
Pure Bridge State Park in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is a type of spots that feels simply as cool right this moment because it will need to have felt to Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. They each made observe of it again within the day! The star of the present is a large limestone arch (215 toes tall!) carved out by Cedar Creek over time.
You possibly can take the 137-step staircase down (don’t fear, there’s a shuttle if wanted) and stroll the paved Cedar Creek Path proper beneath the bridge. The path retains going previous issues just like the recreated Monacan Village, Saltpeter Cave, and Lace Falls. It’s half historical past lesson, half nature stroll, and completely price it.
I’d say spring by fall is one of the best time to go to—not too scorching, not too chilly, and loads of additional issues occurring. You possibly can go on stargazing nights and colourful fall walks. It’s undoubtedly an ideal day journey in order for you a mixture of recent air and a few native Virginia historical past.
Richmond Historic District
Richmond is a type of cities that has somewhat one thing for everybody. And it’s filled with enjoyable issues to do to fill a whole day journey. Whether or not you’re all about historical past, artwork, or simply good meals and drinks, you’ll discover it in Virginia’s capital.
If museums are your factor, begin with the Virginia Museum of Positive Arts. It’s such a good looking area with every thing from basic to up to date artwork. For my fellow ebook lovers, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum is price a cease. And should you’re into historical past, undoubtedly take a look at the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the American Civil Warfare Museum. Since Richmond was the capital of the confederacy through the Civil Warfare, there’s no scarcity of historical past to discover.
However Richmond isn’t simply museums and monuments. There are such a lot of nice eating places together with breweries and distilleries. It’s the type of metropolis the place you’ll be able to stroll from spot to identify and actually make a day of it. Seize brunch, go to a museum, and end with a drink or two. Take a look at my weblog submit about an in a single day we did there.
Charlottesville & Monticello
I’ve received to present my city, Charlottesville, somewhat love right here! It’s not only a faculty city with the College of Virginia proper in the midst of issues. Charlottesville has such an ideal mixture of historical past, meals, and small-city appeal. You’ll discover some actually superb eating places and native breweries all inside strolling distance of the historic Downtown.
Whilst you’re at it, don’t miss a go to to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s residence. It took him over 40 years to design (and redesign!) the mansion. You possibly can take guided excursions or self-guided strolls by the grounds. It’s essential to notice that the property was a plantation, and Jefferson did have enslaved folks. With displays on the lives of the slaves, this historical past will not be discarded or glossed over. Monticello additionally holds a number of festivals all year long, so plan accordingly if it’s one thing you wish to expertise!
Weblog posts:
Leesburg
For each locals and vacationers, Leesburg has that true Virginia appeal—previous historic significance however a full of life ambiance. When downtown, you’ll be able to take pleasure in small-town boutiques and native artwork galleries, a lot of that are positioned in unique 1800s buildings. If you happen to’re up for somewhat historical past exploration, you’ll be able to go to Dodona Manor, residence to George C. Marshall as soon as upon a time.
If you happen to’re headed out together with your children, you completely have to go to Leesburg Animal Park. It’s a park that’s unfold out over 21 acres, housing each home and unique animals. Apart from viewing, children may also take pleasure in jungle gyms, big slides, and an arts and crafts room. This little city is such an enthralling day journey spot!
Fredericksburg
Head right down to Fredericksberg, a city filled with American Revolution and Civil Warfare historical past. It was beforehand each a colonial buying and selling hub and a spot the place Civil Warfare battles steadily came about. Now you can go to the once-battle area, now a Nationwide Cemetery that you would be able to tour should you’d like.
Apart from the cemetery, it’s also possible to view civil struggle landmarks like Marye’s Heights and Chatham Manor. There’s plenty of historical past packed into this small city. When you’re executed touring, ensure to go to Foremost Avenue for somewhat procuring and snacking. A good friend recommends Carl’s Frozen Custard, it has been round for the reason that Forties, and is a favourite spot!
Jamestown
If you happen to’re up for somewhat historical past combined with recent air and a few hands-on exploring, Historic Jamestowne is unquestionably price including to your Virginia day journey listing. It’s the location of the primary everlasting English settlement in North America—means again in 1607! Whereas the surroundings appears somewhat completely different nowadays, a lot of the colony has been preserved.
One of many coolest elements? The reside reenactments. You possibly can wander by Powhatan Village and get an actual really feel for a way life was again then. Then transfer on to the English settlement space, the place you’ll be able to see what was on the menu again within the day—issues like apple pie, pork, and goat milk butter.
You must take a look at the ships whilst you’re down there. It’s an extremely life like recreation of what life was like for these touring from England to America. Not solely that, however the tour explores, what they name “the primary threads of tapestry we name America.” Superbly said and extremely charming.
Weblog submit: Supper on the Settlement
Virginia Museum of Transportation
If you happen to’ve received a prepare lover or a automobile fanatic in your home (like my boys), put the Virginia Museum of Transportation in your listing. It’s proper in downtown Roanoke and makes for a extremely enjoyable outing for youths.
The museum is in an previous Norfolk & Western freight station, which already offers it an genuine historic really feel. And inside you’ll discover every thing from vintage vehicles and classic buses to full-size steam and diesel locomotives. Per my good friend’s advice, they’ve made it tremendous family-friendly with interactive displays and an enormous playroom only for the youngsters. There’s additionally an enormous model-train setup and an outside railyard the place children can really stand up near actual engines.
It’s open Tuesday by Sunday. Because it’s proper downtown, you’ll be able to simply pair your go to with a stroll by Roanoke’s Metropolis Market or pop into one other close by museum. It’s the right mixture of enjoyable, studying, and somewhat nostalgia.
Wintergreen Ski Resort
If you happen to ask me, there’s nothing fairly like a ski day at Wintergreen Resort as soon as winter rolls round. A number of years again, Mazen and I even performed hooky for a mom-and-son ski day, and we attempt to go each winter.
If you happen to’re planning a weekend journey, undoubtedly goal to get there early. And by early, I imply pulling into the lot earlier than 9 a.m. The later you go, the longer the elevate traces get. Realized that one the arduous means.
Wintergreen provides ski classes for newbies, which Birch did final yr! Heads-up—these spots replenish quick. And when you hit the slopes, follow what feels good in your talent stage. East Coast snowboarding undoubtedly has a unique vibe than what you’ll discover out west—assume narrower trails and icier snow. (And it may hit 60 levels!)
After a full day of snowboarding, you’ll be able to both pack a lunch (we’ve executed that loads of instances) or swing by Blue Mountain Brewery in your means residence for dinner. It’s such a comfy spot with nice meals and native brews. Winter sports activities not your factor? It’s nonetheless price a go to in the summertime months. There’s a pool, tennis, golf—you identify it. It truly is a enjoyable spot year-round.
Positively take a look at my full submit with Wintergreen ski suggestions earlier than you go!
The best way to Plan a Day Journey in Virginia
Select a vacation spot with tons to do.
While you’re choosing a spot for a day journey in Virginia, I all the time say to search for locations that supply somewhat little bit of every thing. In spite of everything, you’ve received an entire day to fill! Examine the map and see should you can hit two spots in a day or weekend.
I all the time assume one of the best journeys have a great steadiness of museums/actions and energetic/relaxation/consuming time. Just a little historical past or museum time paired with one thing extra energetic, like a stroll, some procuring, or grabbing a great meal. That means, everybody within the household will get somewhat one thing they take pleasure in. Bonus factors if there’s a espresso cease or a cute native store concerned. Selection retains the day feeling enjoyable as a substitute of dragging on!
Plan for driving time.
Virginia’s a much bigger state than most individuals understand. While you’re planning a day journey, don’t overlook to issue within the drive. Typically there isn’t an excessive amount of visitors until you’re up in Northern Virginia.
Just a little planning makes the entire day really feel much more relaxed and enjoyable! If you happen to’re visiting Virginia by way of roadtrip, ensure to take a look at my submit, Highway Journey Ideas for Households.
Steadiness exercise and leisure.
Everybody wants somewhat breather on a day journey—children and grown-ups alike. You possibly can’t go full pace from morning ‘til night time with out feeling worn out. I all the time prefer to construct in somewhat downtime between actions. Perhaps that’s grabbing ice cream, sitting by the water, or mapping a playground the place the youngsters will get steam out.
Have a backup plan.
Virginia climate likes to maintain us on our toes—sunshine one minute, rain clouds the following. That’s why I all the time advocate having a backup plan in your pocket. In case your out of doors plans get rained out, it’s good to know the place the native museums or indoor spots are. You possibly can nonetheless take advantage of out of your day with out getting soaked.
Discover Virginia’s treasures with firsthand suggestions from a neighborhood!
After dwelling in Charlottesville for over a decade now, I’ve undoubtedly picked up a number of favorites with regards to exploring Virginia. From historic cities to beautiful nationwide parks and scenic drives, there’s all the time one thing new to find. And now you’ve received a stable listing of Virginia day journeys that can assist you begin checking a number of must-see spots off your bucket listing!
If you happen to’re on the lookout for much more native concepts, listed here are a number of extra Virginia favorites I’ve shared on the weblog:
